Chinese Ambassador to Russia: Permanent Visa-Free Policy Between China and Russia Is Necessary

¬ Former Russian Ambassador to China: Sino-Russian Trade Volume May Exceed $250 Billion This Year, Setting a New Record

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Chinese Ambassador Zhang Hanhui told TASS that it is necessary to implement a permanent visa-free policy between China and Russia.

Ambassador Zhang stated that the current mutual visa exemption policy between China and Russia will remain in effect until the end of 2027.

Responding to questions about the prospects of a permanent mutual visa exemption policy, Zhang said that after this period, it is essential to extend the policy.

Previously, Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko of Russia stated that Russia and China are discussing the possibility of implementing a long-term visa-free regime for citizens of both countries.

In September 2025, China introduced a one-year, 30-day visa-free policy for Russian citizens, effective until September 2026. In December, Russia also implemented a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens. In May this year, China announced its decision to extend the visa-free policy until December 31, 2027. On July 20, Russian President Putin signed a presidential decree extending the visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens until December 31, 2027.

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Russian Federation Council member and former ambassador to China Andrei Denisov told TASS that Sino-Russian trade volume this year will surpass the record set in 2024 and may exceed $250 billion.

Denisov noted that the current record stands at $24.5 billion, achieved in 2024.

He said: "I believe we will surpass this level this year, aiming for a target of around $250 billion—or even higher."

Earlier in August, data released by China Customs showed that trade volume between China and Russia in the first seven months of 2026 rose by 26.3% year-on-year, reaching $159.2 billion.

The fourth "Seedling: Russia and China – Mutual Cooperation" International Forum was held in Kazan from August 16 to 19. This year's forum will host more than 50 business meetings, with over 200 Chinese enterprises participating.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873785439351816/

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